Teachers from the CNTE union announced they will be increasing their protest actions after the federal government arrested several of their leaders on what the union considers to be spurious charges.

In Mexico, common protest tactics include shutting down major highways or staging protest camps in front of government offices.

The CNTE, which is presently on strike over the government's education reforms, often employs these types of political actions.

Heredia said that a “moderate use of force" would be used to clear out these types of protests. He added that it would only be used as a “last resort,” but the Mexican government has been the subject of criticism by human rights groups for too often employing force against protesters.

Tensions between the CNTE and the government are exceptionally high after seven leaders were detained over the past week.

The timing of the arrests has raised suspicions that the arrests are indeed driven by an effort to silence critics.

A government official said they have evidence suggesting irregularities in contracts signed by the CNTE in Oaxaca and alleged there was a kickback scheme in place to fund demonstrations by its members.